I'm new to all this and looked up my state laws (Louisiana) which said I could register my child as home schooling but he'd need to take the state tests, I'd need to show my curriculum, etc., or I could register as a private school and not have to do all that. That sounds better because I want freedom to plan the curriculum. I've been a public school teacher for 30 years so I have a good idea what I want to teach him. Has anyone registered as a private school? Are there any disadvantages?.

Hi, Malley. I'm from Louisiana too. For the second option all you have to do is send in a letter telling them you are homeschooling and that's it your good to go.
The first option does require a little more but you still have the freedom to choose what curriculum you want. I am mobile right now but I will get on the computer and give you some links that help explain it more if you would like.

Hi, Malley. I'm from Louisiana too. For the second option all you have to do is send in a letter telling them you are homeschooling and that's it your good to go.The first option does require a little more but you still have the freedom to choose what curriculum you want. I am mobile right now but I will get on the computer and give you some links that help explain it more if you would like.

I will be doing the 2nd option ( letter). My daughter is turning 7 this year so this is my first year that I will actually have to let them know.

Quoting Malley:

Quoting Dawn07:

Hi, Malley. I'm from Louisiana too. For the second option all you have to do is send in a letter telling them you are homeschooling and that's it your good to go.The first option does require a little more but you still have the freedom to choose what curriculum you want. I am mobile right now but I will get on the computer and give you some links that help explain it more if you would like.

I have printed out the guidelines for both options and keep them in my binder.

From what I've understood the differences between the options are:

The home study you must send in an application and then after that a packet with it to show what you have been learning. State testing is not required, but it is an option for the packet.

This allows access to public school sports and such. You also are qualified for TOPS once you are in high school.

The letter option is very simple. You send in a certified letter so that you are in right standing with the attendance law and that's it. You are pretty much left alone. You can not get TOPS with this option or have access to the public school sports. There are some home school groups that have sports though.

No not the letter. Louisiana doesn't require a child to be in school until 7. Anytime before that is the parents decision. You may want to tell the school just to let them know so there isn't any confusion, but as for as requirements from the state, there shouldn't be any yet.

Quoting Malley:

He went to public school for K so I'll have to do it this year even though he'll only be 6, right?